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Kota Kinabalu: The large sum of money invested in Sabah FC over the past two years has paid dividends in lifting the profile of the club in the region.

Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said on Thursday that the club is now among the big names in Southeast Asia.

This followed the invitation by the organiser to take part in the RCTI Jakarta Indonesia RCTI Premium Sports International Championship from May 30 to June 2.

The four-day tournament also featuring Persija Jakarta, PSIS Semarang and Selangor FC is set to take place at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

“It is a positive development for Sabah FC after our achievement to qualify for the AFC Cup and to finish in third place for two years in a row in the Super League.

“Everyone knows that Sabah FC have spent quite a lot of money in assembling a solid, quality team and the invitation from the organiser will provide a very good image not only to Sabah FC but also to the state of Sabah,” he said.

According to him, national players are unlikely to be featured for the team in the tournament, which will take place during the short break in the league.

He said the tournament must be utilised wisely and called on the players that are available to prove their worth to make the trip.

“Of course the opportunity to compete during the break after the opening three games in the Super League needs to be used as best as possible so that we can gain a positive momentum once the league resumes. 

“However, the existing players need to prove their ability to play in the tournament and also in the event of injury or suspension to key players throughout the league campaign later on,” he said.

Meanwhile, the winners of the tournament in Jakarta is set to take home US$30,000 (RM142,000) along with the Rajawali Cup and  medals, while the runners-up will receive US$15,000 (RM71,000) and the third and fourth place winners will each receive US$10,000 (RM47,000) and US$5,000 (RM23,000) respectively.